One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. A quote we’ve all heard and in the context of office supplies, could not be more accurate. In a society where sustainability and climate change are at the forefront of discourse and policymaking, the transition from regular, harmful wastage to recyclable and eco-friendly products is a must. Offices, with their consistent need for supplies and excessive consumption, have great potential for incorporating recycled products. Not just for the environment, but recycled office supplies can also add elegance, creativity and convey a company’s commitment to sustainability.
- Recycled Paper Products:
Paper is the quintessential office supply. Recycled paper is made from post-consumer waste (PCW) and is the most environmentally friendly option as it uses less energy, water and produces lower carbon emissions compared to fresh paper. Of all the options in the market, the Office Depot EnviroCopy Copy Fax Laser Inkjet Printer Paper is ideal, which offers 35% PCW and is both acid-free for archival quality and FSC certified, a mark of responsible forestry.
- Recycled Pen:
Pens are another common supply in all offices, but did you know that most used pens end up in landfills? That’s where Pilot B2P (Bottle to Pen) Recycled Retractable Gel Ink Pens come into play. These pens are made from 89% post-consumer recycled content, specifically from old plastic bottles. They provide smooth writing and are refillable. It’s a win-win, since you’re investing in a product that is both earth-friendly and practical.
- Sustainable Office Chairs:
A comfortable office chair is essential for any workplace setting. An outstanding model to consider is the Humanscale Diffrient World Chair. The chair is made from 95% recycled content and up to 98% of the chair is recyclable. It displays an elegant minimalist design and doesn’t compromise on comfort.
- Recycled Staplers:
The EcoElectronix EX-25 Automatic Heavy Duty Electric Stapler is made with high quality, eco-friendly, and recyclable materials. It is composed of 45% post-consumer content and operates on electricity, which eliminates the need for batteries. It has the capacity to staple quickly and efficiently and can handle up to 25 sheets at a time.
- Eco-friendly Sticky Notes:
Post-its are essential for a productive day. The recycled alternative would be Treewise Recycled Sticky Notes. Made from 100% recycled paper and using vegetable-based adhesive, these sticky notes stick just as well as their mainstream counterparts but are a lot kinder to the planet.
- Recyclable Binders:
The ReBinder Select Recycled Binders are 100% recyclable. They are durable and made with FSC-certified, rigid chipboard covered with a textured, 100% recycled old corrugated container (OCC) finish.
- Eco-Friendly Office Desk:
For an ethical and sustainable installation in your office, consider the Jarvis Bamboo Standing Desk. This desk is made from sustainably harvested bamboo and features a built-in, programmable handset to adjust the height of the desk. It is sturdy, stylish, and provides ample workspace.
- Recycled Trash Cans:
The Rubbermaid Commercial Products Slant Front Ingredient Bin is made of FDA-approved recycled material. The mobile ingredient bin features patent-pending one-handed access, which enhances ease of use.
- Recycled Scissors:
Fiskars Recycled Scissors are made from 100% recycled plastic and packaged in a card made from post-consumer recycle content. They are sharp, strong, and ideal for all types of paper.
- Eco-friendly Computer Accessories:
Logitech’s K750 wireless solar keyboard, composed of a fully recyclable plastic frame, is an excellent eco-friendly option. The keyboard powers itself whenever there’s light, effectively reducing battery waste.
In conclusion, the transition to recycled office supplies is not just a trend, but a necessity for all businesses big or small. It might seem daunting to adjust to these changes initially, but as it is evident, the realm of recycled office supplies has plenty of options to offer that match to their non-recyclable substitutes in terms of utility and quality. A few seemingly insignificant changes like these can drive substantial positive impact for the environment. So, let’s create green offices that inspire and make a difference.
